Counter display carton



Aug. 6, 1957 DORFMAN 2,301,754

, COUNTER DISPLAY'CARTON Filed Sept. 14, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet- 1 I44 7 I44 I I us INVENTOR. IRVING Boer-44 M I12 nrroalvav 1957 DORFMAN 2,801,754

COUNTER DISPLAY CARTON Filed Sept. 14, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2' IN V EN TOR. A? w v'e Do/PFMAN Way 132W ATTORNEYS m 6, 1957 I. DORFMAN 2,801,754

COUNTER DISPLAY CARTON Filed Sept. 14, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

IRVING: DORFMA/V 26 By Gamma mum ATTURNE YS United States Patent coUNTEn DISPLAY CARTON Irving Dorfman, New York, N. Y., assignor to Federal Carton Corporation, North Bergen, N. 1., a corporation of New York Application September 14, 1955, Serial No. 534,297

8 Claims. (Cl. 211-435) This invention relates generally to display devices, and is particularly directed to improvements in article holding display devices of the type adapted to rest on a shelf, counter or similar supporting surface.

The particular embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in the drawings and which will be described hereinafter in greater detail, comprises generally a bottom wall having a downwardly stepped forward portion, front and rear walls extending upwards from the front and rear of the bottom wall, and upstanding side walls extending along opposite sides of the bottom wall and extending downwards along the downwardly stepped forward bottom wall portion.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an article display device of the type described which is adapted to rest on a shelf or similar supporting surface with its forward portion hanging over and depending below the supporting surface, to carry and attractively display articles forwards of the shelf. Further, the device of the present invention is capable of supporting and displaying articles in spaced relation above the shelf, as well as forwards of and below the shelf or counter, to atford maximum visibility and access to the articles at the point of purchase.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a display device having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the foregoing paragraph, which is completely collapsible and very light in weight for convenience in storage and handling, which can be quickly and easily set up, and which in its set up condition provides a staunch and sturdy structure capable of long con tinued use without deterioration.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide extremely simple and inexpensive blanks adapted to be formed into display devices of the present invention, and which may be decorated as desired on only one side to produce a display device having all exterior surfaces decorated.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the display device of the present invention in fully erected condition and supported on a shelf or counter.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a blank adapted to be employed in formation of the display device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing another blank adapted to be employed in forming the display device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing another blank adapted to be employed in forming the display device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the blank of Fig. 2 in an early stage of erecting the display device;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the blank of Figure 2 at a later stage in the erection procedure;

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 77 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the blank of Fig. 2 in its almost completely erected condition;

Fig. 9 is a bottom view showing the blank of Fig. 2 in fully erected condition;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the blanks of Figs. 3 and 4 in an intermediate stage of assembly;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing the blanks of Figs. 2, 3 and 4 in an almost completed stage of their erection and assembly; and

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 12-12 of Fig. 1.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to Figs. 2, 3 and 4 thereof, there are respectively illustrated therein blanks generally designated 20, 21 and 22 adapted for use in the formation of the display device of the invention. Each of the blanks is fabricated of a cut and scored sheet of stiff, but bendable material such as cardboard and the like.

The blank 26 includes a series of four panels 25, 26, 27 and 23 arranged in end to end relation and hingedly connected together at their adjacent ends by three parallel creases or fold lines 29, 30 and 31.

The panel 26, intermediate the alternate panels 25 and 27, is of longitudinally, elongate, generally rectangular configuration and has its opposite sides defined by parallel spaced fold lines or creases 34 and 35 each extending between an adjacent pair of ends of the fold lines 29 and 30.

Extending laterally outward from and coextensive with one side of the panel 26, the right hand side as seen in Fig. 2, and hingedly connected to the latter panel by the fold line 34 is a generally rectangular section 37 of the blank 20. The section 37 has its outer, free edge 38 formed in an intermediate region with a generally trapezoidal cutout or notch 39; and, it is further formed with a pair of slits or cuts 40, 40 extending laterally inwards from the outer section edge 38 and each located between the notch 39 and a respective one of the opposed section edges 41 and 41. Disposed parallel to the fold line 34, spaced between the latter fold line and the edge 38, the section 37 is provided with a pair of parallel spaced fold lines or creases 42 and 43. In the drawing it will be observed that the fold lines 42 and 43 are coextensive with each other, both terminating at the opposite edges 41 and41, and that the fold line 42 is disposed inwards, adjacent to the fold line 34, while the fold line 43 is positioned outwards, adjacent to the outer section edge 38.

Another generally rectangular section 45 of the blank 2%) extends laterally outwards, toward the left as seen in Fig. 2, from the panel 26, being longitudinally coextensive therervith and hingedly connected thereto by the fold line The width of the section 45 between the fold line 35 and its free, outer edge 46 is substantially equal to the combined widths of the panel 26 and the section 37 between the fold lines 34 and 42. Stated otherwise, the lateral distance between the fold line 35 and the outer edge 46 of the section 45 is equal to the lateral distance between the fold lines 35 and 42. Further, the section 45 is formed with a fold line 47 disposed parallel to and coextensive with the fold line 35, terminating at opposite edges 48 and 48 of the section 45, and spaced from the fold line 35 a distance equal to the width of the panel 26. Hence, the lateral distance between the fold lines 35 and 47 equals the lateral distance between the fold lines 35 and 34; and consequently, the

lateral distance between the fold line 47 and outer section edge 46 equals the lateral distance between the fold lines 34 and 42.

The alternate pair of panels and 27 adjacent to opposite ends of the intermediate panel 26 are sub- 'stantially identical to each other, and of somewhat distorted or mutilated triangular configuration. More specifically, one side of the panel 25 is defined by a fold line 50 extending diagonally or obliquely outwards from the intersection of the fold lines 29 and 35 and terminating at the end edge 51 of the panel which is parallel to the fold line 29. The other side of the mutilated triangular panel 25 includes a portion 52 defined by a fold line extending from the intersection of the fold lines 29 and 34 in alignment with the latter fold line, and terminates at an edge 53 extending laterally inwards generally parallel to and coextensive with the fold line 29. From the inner end of the edge 53 the fold line 52 is of a length substantially equal to the distance between the fold lines 42 and 34, or that between the fold line 47 and edge 46. Extending from the inner end of the edge 53, in substantial alignment with the fold line 35, is the remaining portion 54 of the right hand side of the panel 25, which remaining portion is defined by a forward line or crease and terminates at its outer end at the edge 51. It will now be appreciated that the side portion 54 of the panel 25 is offset laterally inwards from the panel side portion 52 by the edge 53 a distance equal to the width of the intermediate panel 26.

Similarly, the panel 27 has one side 57 defined by a fold line extending obliquely or diagonally outwards from the intersection of the fold lines and 35. The fold line 57 terminates at the fold line 31, which is parallel to the fold line 30. The other, right hand side of the panel 27 as seen in Fig. 2, includes one portion 58 defined by a fold line extending from the intersection of the fold lines 30 and 34 in alignment with the latter. The fold line 53 extends from the fold line 30 for a distance equal to the lateral distance between the fold lines 34 and 42, or between the fold line 47 and edge 46, and terminates in a laterally inwardly extending edge 59 which is parallel to and coextensive with the fold line 30. Extending from the inner end of the edge 59 in substantial alignment with the fold line is a fold line 60 which defines the remaining portion of the right panel side. Hence, the panel 27 has its remaining side portion 60 ofi'set laterally inwards from the side portion 58 a distance equal to the width of the panel 26, and terminates at the fold line 31 forming substantially a right angle with the latter.

Viewed broadly, the panels 25 and 27 may be considered as approximate triangles, the former being mutilated along the edge 53 and fold line 54, and the latter being mutilated along the edge 59 and fold line 60, or, the panel 25 may be considered as triangular and having a portion 61 extending into the space between the edge 53 and fold lines 52 and 29, and the panel 27 may be considered a triangle having a portion 62 extending into the space between the edge 59 and fold lines 58 and 30.

Extending laterally outwards from and hingedly connected to the panel side portions 52 and 58, respectively, are a pair of generally rectangular tabs 65 and 66. The tab 65 is coextensive with the fold line 52 and projects therefrom between opposed edges 67 and 68 which extend respectively in substantial alignment with the edge 53 and fold line 29, and terminates at the outer, free edge 69 extending between the edges 67 and 68. The tab 66 is similarly coextensive with its adjacent fold line 58 and projects therefrom between opposed edges 70 and 71, which extend in substantial alignment with the edge 59 and fold line 30, respectively, and terminate at opposite ends of a free, outer edge 72.

Projecting laterally outwards from and hingedly connected to the side portions 54 and 60 of the panels 25 and 27, respectively, are a pair of flaps and 76. The flap 75 has one edge 77 extending laterally outwards from the fold line 54 in substantial alignment with the panel edge 5.1, and has another edge 78 extending from the inner end of the edge 53 obliquely toward the edge 75 and having its outer portion 79 angulated away from the edge 77. The edge 77 and outer portion 79 of the edge 78 terminate in a free, outer edge 80 generally par allel to the fold line 54. As best seen in Fig. 2, the flap 75 tapers laterally outwards along the oblique edge portion '73. while the angulated edge portion 79 and the edges 77 and 80 combine to define an enlarged flap end portion 81. The flap 76 is substantially identical to the flap 75, including one edge 82 extending from the juncture of the fold lines 60 and 31, in substantial alignment with the latter, and another edge extending at 83 from the inner end of the edge 59 obliquely toward the edge 82 and having its outer portion angulated away from the latter edge at 84. The angulated edge portion 84 terminates at an outer, free edge 85 which extends to the edge 82 in parallelism with the fold line 60. As described in connection with the flap 75, the flap 76 tapers laterally outwards along the edge portion 83 and is of outwardly increasing dimensions in the region lying between the edge portion 84 and edges 85 and 82 to define an enlarged flap end portion 86.

Extending laterally outwards from the oblique sides 50 and 57 of the alternate panels 25 and 27, respectively,

. are a pair of generally triangular sections 89 and 90.

alignment with the latter.

The section 89 is hingedly connected to the panel 25 along the fold line 50 and includes an edge 91 extending laterally outward, to the left as seen in Fig. 2, from the juncture of the fold line 50 and 29, in substantial An outer, left hand edge extends from the outer end of the edge 91 generally normal to the latter, as at 92, and inclines inwards, as at 93, terminating at the juncture of the fold line 50 and edge 51. Extending inwards from the edge 91, the section 89 is formed with a cut or slit 94; and, a fold line is provided in the section extending from the intersection of the edges 92 and 93 to the inner end of the cut 94. This enables the area 96 of the section 89 bounded by the edges 91 and 92, the slit 94 and the fold line 95 to be swung about the fold line relative to the remainder of the section.

The generally triangular section 90 is defined by an edge 98 extending laterally outwards, to the left as in Fig. 2, from the juncture of the fold lines 57 and 30, in substantial alignment with the latter, An outer edge 99 extends from the outer end of the edge 98 generally parallel to the fold line 58, and is angulated obliquely inwards, as at 100, to the juncture of the fold lines 31 and 57. A fold line 101 is formed in the section 90 extending from the juncture of the edges 99 and 100 toward, but terminating short of the juncture of the edge 98 and fold line 57. Further, the fold line 101 terminates at the inner end of a cut or slit 102 extending inwards from the edge 98, so that the portion 103 bounded by the edges 98 and 99, the cut 102 and the fold line 101 is swingable about the latter fold line.

The panel 28, which is hingedly connected by the fold line 31 to the panel 27, is of generally rectangular configuration, and preferably equal in length to the intermediate panel 26. The panel is defined by a fold line 104 extending from the juncture of the fold lines 31 and 60, in substantial alignment with the latter, for a distance substantially equal to the length of the fold line 35, and a fold line 105 extending from the outer end of the fold line 104 substantially parallel to the fold line 31. An edge 106 of any suitable configuration extends between the adjacent ends of the fold lines 105 and 31 to complete the panel 28.

A flap 108 extends laterally outwards, to the right as seen in Fig. 2, from the fold line 104, and tapers outwards between converging edges 109 and 110, terminating in a generally rectangular laterally outwardly projecting portion 111. On the distal end of the panel 28, hinjgedly connected thereto bythe fold line 105, is a fiap 112, illustrated as being of trapezoidalconfiguration.

The blank 22'of Fig. 4 is of generally rectangular configuration defined between a pair of parallel spaced end edges 115 and 116 each substantially equal in length to the length of the intermediate panel 26, and a pair of relatively long, parallel, spaced side edges 117 and 118 each extending between and terminating at opposite ends at the edges 1 15 and 116. A plurality of parallel spaced fold lines 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127 and 128 all extend between and terminate at the side edges 117 and 118, and are spaced between the end edges 115 and 116. Further, thefold line 119, closest to the end edge 115, is spaced from the latter a distance equal to the spacing between the fold lines 34 and 42 of the blank 20, while the fold line 120, closest to the foldline 119, is spaced from the latter a distance equal to the spacing between the fold lines 42 and 43. Stated otherwise, the relatively narrow section 129 defined by the edges 115,117 and 118, and the fold line 119, is of a width equal to the lateral distance between the fold lines 34 and 42, and the relatively wide section 130 defined between the edges 117 and 118, and the fold lines 119 and 120, is of a width equal to the space between the fold lines 42 and 43. The edges 117 and 118, and the fold lines 120 and 121' define therebetween a section 131 of a width "equal to that of section 129, the fold lines 121 and 122, and the edges 117 and 118 define therebetween a section 132 of a width substantially equal to that of section 130; and the fold lines 122 and 123, and edges 117 and 118 define therebetween a section 133 of a width substantially equal to that of section 129. Section 134 defined between the fold lines 123 and 124, and the edges 117 and 118 is of a width less than that of the narrower section 130, while section 135 defined between the fold lines 124 and 125, and the edges 117 and 118, is of a width equal to the combined widths of section 134 and 132. The section 136 defined between the fold 'lines 125 and 126, and the edges 117 and 118 is of approximately the same width as that of the section 129, while the section 137 defined between the fold lines 126 and 127, and the edges 117 and 118 is approximately double the width of the section 130. The space between the fold lines 127 and 128 is approximately equal to the space between the fold line 104 and the edge 106 of panel 28, so that the section defined between the fold lines 127 and 128, and the edges '117 and'118 is of approximately the same size as the panel 28. A section 139 is defined between the fold line 128, and the edges 117, 116, and 118.

Formed in the sections 134 and 135 of the blank 22, extending parallel to and spaced between the side edges 117 and 118, is a slot 140. The slot 140 intersects midway of its length with the fold line 124 and extends from the latter approximately equal distances into the sections 134 and 135.

The blank 21 of Fig. 3 includes a pair of identical sections 144, 144 hingedly connected together by and arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a fold line 145. The sections include a pair of aligned edges 146, 146extending normal to and in opposite directions from the fold line 145 and terminating in a pair of parallel spaced edges 147, 147 disposed normal to the edges 146, 146. A pair of aligned edges 148, 148 extend inwards from the edges 147, 147, respectively, parallel to the edges 146, 146 and terminate short of the fold line 145. Fromthe inner ends of the edges 148, 148 a pair of aligned edges 149, 149 extend outwards, away from the fold 'line "145 closclyadjacent to the edges 148, 148 and terminate short of the outer ends of the latter edges to define therewithoutwardly opening slots 150, 150. Ex tending from the outer'ends of the slot edges 149, 149 parallel to but spaced inwards from the edges 147, 147 are .a pair of edges 151, 151, which terminate in a pair .of

aligned edges 152, 152 extending parallel to the edges 146, 146 and meeting at the fold line 145. It will now be understood that the edges 147, 147 are olfset outwards from the edges 151, 151 and that the sections 144, 144 maybe swung together about the hinge line 145 to place the edges 147, 147 in contiguous relation with each other, and the edges 151, 151 in contiguous relation with each other. In erecting the complete display device of Fig. l, the blank 20 of Fig. 2 is first folded along the parallel fold lines 29, 30, 31 and 105, and the flap 112 adhesively or otherwise secured to the panel 25 with the fold line 105 extending closely adjacent to the panel edge 51. This condition is illustrated in Fig. 5. To facilitate both erection and storage, the flap 112 may be secured to the panel 25 during manufacture, so that the blank 20 may be shipped in a fully collapsed condition and merely opened up to the position of Fig. 5 for erection.

The tabs 65 and 66 may then be swung inwards about the fold lines 52 and 58 to extend generally toward each other, as 'seen in dashed outline in Fig. 6. Section 37 is next swung rearwards about fold line 34 to underlie the tabs 65 and 66,-and this section may be folded upwards along the fold line 42 and rearwards along the fold line 43. The section 45 is swung rearwards and downwardsabout the fold line 35, and is bent about the fold line 47 to extend generally upwards and rearwards, as seen in Fig. 6.

The flaps 75 and 76 are swung inwards into underlying relation with respect to the section 37, and their enlarged end portions 81 and 36 snapped through the cutout 39 tointerengage with and overlie: the adjacent portion of the section 371. In this condition, the flaps 75 and 76 define bottomfiaps and the section 37 will be retained in a forwardly descending stepped condition with its forward portion, between the fold lines 34 and 42, ofiset downwards from its rearward portion, between the fold line 43 and edge 38, by the distance between the fold lines 42 and 43. As the space between the fold .lines 34 and 42 is equal to the length of the fold lines 52 and 58, the edges of the forward, downwardly stepped portion will extend closely along the fold. lines 52 and 58. Further, as the spacing between the fold lines 42 and "43 is substantially equal to the length of the edges 53 and 59, the edges of the of" setting portion of panel 37 between the fold lines 42 and 43 will extend closely along the edges 53 and 59, while the upwardly offset portion of the section 37 will have its edges 41, 41 extending closely along the fold lines 54 and 60. .As seen in Fig. 8,the edge 38 of the section 37 is spaced forwards of the rear section 28. However, the flap 1113 is swung forwards about the fold line 104 and the projection 111 inserted upwards through the cutout 39 between the section 37 and flaps 75 and 76, so that the flap 108 combines with the flaps 75 and 76 to close the space between the panel 28 and edge 38 of the section 37.

In order to retain the rigidifying tabs 65 and 66 closely overlying the downwardly stepped forward portion of the section 37, the section 45 is swung so that the portion between the fold lines 35 and 47 depends closely along the inner surface of the intermediate panel 26, and the portion between the fold line 47, and edge 4-6 rests on the tabs 65 and 66. This is best seen in Fig. 7.

The sections 89 and may then be swung inwards about their respective fold lines 50 and 57, and the por- -tions 96 and 103 swung upwards about the fold lines and 101. The sections 89 and 90 may be retained in close facing engagement with the panels 25 and 27, .respectively, being in an interior, lining relation with respect to the panels, by snapping the portions 96 and 103 into the slots 40, 40 of the section 37. Thus, as seen in Fig. 8, the portions 96 and 103 closely overlie the rearward portion of thesection 37 and theflaps 75 and 76, in substantially coplanar relation with respect thereto. The portions 96 and 103 thus define locking flaps, serving .to hold .the liner sections 89 and 90 against the panels 25 and 27, and are retained in position by interengagement in the slots or slits 40.

It will now be appreciated, see Fig. 11, that the section 37 defines bottom section in the erected structure, being formed with a forwardly descending stepped portion, and combines with the bottom securing flaps 75, 76, and 108 which are detachably secured in substantially coplanar relation to the upper portion of section 37 to define a bottom wall. Also, the panel 26 provides an upstanding front wall extending along the front edge of the bottom wall, while the panels 25 and 27 provide upstanding side walls extending rearwards from opposite sides of the front wall and having their lower edges extending closely along opposite side edges of the stepped bottom wall. Further, the panel 23 provides an upstanding rear wall extending upwards from the rear edge of the bottom wall and between the side walls, while the sections 89 and 90 define liners on the interior of the side walls. In erected condition the bottom wall defined by the bottom section 37 and bottom flaps 75, 76 and 108 combine with the front wall 26, rear wall 28, and side walls 25 and 27 to form the lower, receiving structure 160 of Fig. 11. Of course, the bottom flaps 75, 76 and 108 may be detached from their bottom wall forming relationship with section 37 of Fig. 11, and the receiving structure may be collapsed by mere reversal of the above described procedure.

The assembly and erection procedure continues by folding the blank 22 upwards along the fold line 119, rearwards along the fold line 120, upwards along the fold line 121, rearwards along the fold line 122, downwards along the fold line 123, upwards along the fold line 124, rearwards along the fold line 125, downwards along the fold line 126, and upwards along the fold line 127. In this condition, the sections 129, 131, 133 and 136 will define steps for supporting articles on display, while the sections 139, 132, and 135 will provide risers between the steps. With the blank 21 of Fig. 3 folded along its central fold line 145, the slots 154), 150 will swing into registry and be adapted for interlocking engagement with the folded slot 140 of the sections 134 and 135 depending between the upper two steps 133 and 136. When in this interlocking engagement, in the manner of an egg box joint, the fold line or crease 145 will be substantially coplanar with the underside of the step 131, and the edges 151 and 147 will engage the undersides of the steps 133 and 136, as best seen in Fig. 12. The thus assembled blanks 21 and 22, defiening an article supporting structure 161, may be fit into the lower structure 160 of Fig. 11, with the lower two steps 129 and 131 resting respectively on the lower and upper stepped portions of the section 37, and the folded blank 21 engaging with the bottom wall of the receiving structure to define a prop for supporting the upper two steps 133 and 136. The

section 133 will lie closely adjacent to the rear wall 28.

Obviously, the completely assembled and erected device of Fig. 1 is adapted to rest on the supporting surface 162, with the lower forward region overhanging beyond and below the surface edge 163.

It will now be understood that the completed structure defines an article supporting device which fully accomplishes its intended objects, and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An article display device fabricated of stiff foldable sheet material and comprising a bottom section formed with a pair of parallel spaced laterally extending folds to define a forwardly descending stepped portion, an

r, upstanding front wall extending along and hingedly connected to the front edge of said bottom section, a pair of spaced upstanding side walls hingedly connected to opposite side edges of said front wall and extending rearwards therefrom beyond said bottom section, the lower edge of each of said side walls being shaped to extend closely along the adjacent side edge of said stepped bottom section, an upstanding rear wall disposed rearwards of said bottom section extending between and hingedly connected to the rear edges of said side walls, and a pair of bottom flaps each hingedly connected to the lower edge of one of said side walls in the rearward region thereof and releasably interengaged with the rearward portion of said bottom section in substantially coplanar relation with the latter, and a rear bottom flap hingedly connected to the rear edge of said rear wall and releasably secured to said bottom section in substantially coplanar relation with the latter, said bottom section and bottom flaps thus combining to define a bottom wall extending between said front, back and side walls and having a downwardly stepped forward portion.

2. An article display device according to claim 1, in combination with a pair of rigidifying tabs hingedly connected on the lower edges of said side walls in the forward region thereof and overlying the forward region of said bottom section, and a retaining flap hingedly connected to the upper edge of said front wall and depending into holding engagement with said rigidifying tabs.

3. An article display device according to claim 1, in combination with a pair of liners hingedly connected to the upper edges of said side walls and depending along the inner surfaces thereof, and a locking flap on the lower edge of each of said liners releasably secured to said bottom section to hold said liners against their respective side walls.

4. An article displaydevice according to claim 1, in combination with an article supporting sheet formed with at least eight parallel spaced folds to define at least four steps with a double thickness of said sheet depending between the upper two of said steps, said sheet being arranged on said bottom wall with the lower two of said steps closely ovrelying the stepped forward portion of said bottom wall and the upper two of said steps spaced above the rearward portion of said bottom wall, and a prop on the rearward portion of said bottom wall, snugly receiving said depending sheet portion and in supporting engagement with the undersides of said upper two steps.

5. An article display device fabricated of stiff foldable sheet material and comprising a bottom section formed with a pair of parallel spaced laterally extending folds to define a forwardly descending stepped portion, an upstanding front wall extending along and hingedly connected to the front edge of said bottom section, a pair of spaced upstanding side walls hingedly connected to opposite side edges of said front wall and extending rearwards therefrom beyond said bottom section, the lower edge of each of said side walls being shaped to extend closely along the adjacent side edge of said stepped bottom section, an upstanding rear wall disposed rearwards of said bottom section extending between and hingedly connected to the rear edges of said side walls, a pair of side bottom flaps each hingedly connected to the lower edge of one of said side walls in the rearward region thereof and releasably secured to the rearward portion of said bottom section in substantially coplanar relation with the latter, a rear bottom flap hingedly connected to the bottom edge of said rear wall and releasably secured to said bottom section in substantially coplanar relation with the latter, said bottom section and bottom flaps combining to define a bottom wall extending between said front, back and side walls and having a downwardly stepped forward portion, a pair of rigidifying tabs hingedly connected on the lower edges of said side walls in the forward regions thereof overlying the downwardly stepped forward region of said bottom wall, a retaining section hingedly connected on the upper edge of said front wall and depending into holding engagement with said rigidifying tabs, a pair of liners hingedly connected to the upper edges of said side walls, respectively, and depending along the inner surfaces thereof, a locking flap on the lower edge of each of said liners releasably secured to said bottom wall to hold said liners against their respective side walls, an article supporting sheet formed with at least eight parallel spaced folds to define at least four steps with a double thickness of said sheet depending between the upper two of said steps, said sheet being arranged on said bottom wall with the lower two of said steps closely overlying the stepped forward portion of said bottom wall and upper two of said steps spaced above the rearward portion of said bottom wall, and a prop on the rearward portion of said bottom Wall snugly receiving said depending sheet portion and in supporting engagement with the undersides of said upper two steps.

6. A blank for the formation of a display device, said blank comprising a sheet of stiif foldable material cut and scored to define a series of four panels hingedly connected together in end to end relation by three parallel fold lines, an intermediate one of said panels being of generally rectangular configuration, an alternate pair of said panels adjacent to opposite ends of said intermediate panel being substantially identical and each having a portion of one side extending for a length from said intermediate panel in alignment with one side of the latter with the remaining portion of said one side of each of said alternate pair of panels being oifset laterally inwards, the other side of each of said pair of alternate panels extending obliquely outwards from the other side of said intermediate panel, the other of said panels having one side extending from one of said pair of alternate panels in alignment with its inwardly offset remaining side portion, securing flaps hingedly connected on said one side of said other panel and on the remaining-side portions of said alternate panels, and a section hingedly connected to said one side of said intermediate panel and formed with a first fold line extending parallel to said one side of said intermediate panel and spaced from the latter a distance equal to the length of an aligned side portion of one of said alternate panels, said section being formed with a second fold line parallel to said first fold line and spaced laterally outwards from the latter a distance equal to the amount of offset of a remaining side portion of one of said alternate panels.

7. A blank according to claim 6, in combination with a pair of tabs each extending laterally outwards from and substantially coextensive with an aligned side portion of one of said alternate panels, and a second section hingedly connected to said other side of said intermediate panel and extending laterally from the latter a distance equal to the combined width of said intermediate panel and the length of an aligned side portion of one of said alternate panels, said second section being formed with a fold line extending parallel to said other side of said intermediate panel and spaced from the latter a distance equal to the width of said intermediate panel.

8. A blank according to claim 6, in combination with an additional pair of sections of generally triangular configuration and each connected to the obliquely extending side of one of said alternate panels.

References Cited in the tile of this: patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Palaith Aug. 3, 1954 

